Matilda Anderson's POV
Chaos erupted in the ballroom. Warriors rushed toward the exits, Alphas barked orders, and frightened guests scrambled to find safety. Marco's grip on me never loosened as he shielded me from the panic around us.
Then, amid the chaos, a voice cut through the noise.
"Well, well… what do we have here?"
I turned to see a tall, imposing man with piercing green eyes striding toward us. He was dressed in a sleek black suit, his aura commanding. His dark hair was slicked back, and his sharp features gave him a dangerous charm.
Marco's body stiffened beside me, his golden eyes narrowing. "Alpha Kade."
Kade smirked, ignoring Marco as his gaze landed on me. His eyes roamed over me with an appreciative look, and I suddenly felt exposed.
"I had heard rumors, but seeing it for myself… Your Luna is quite the beauty, Marco," Kade said smoothly. "It's rare to see a human with such presence."
Marco growled lowly, his grip on my waist tightening. "Watch your words."
Kade chuckled, completely unfazed. "Relax, Alpha. I mean no disrespect. I'm simply admiring what is yours." He paused, his gaze flickering to me again. "Though, if she were mine, I'd never let her out of my sight."
My stomach twisted. There was something unsettling about the way he spoke, like he was testing Marco's patience, enjoying the way he provoked him.
"You're walking on thin ice," Marco warned, his voice dangerously low.
Kade smirked, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Peace, Alpha. You know I have a fondness for beautiful things." He took a step closer, his eyes locked onto mine. "Tell me, Luna, do you feel safe with Marco? Or do you ever wonder what it would be like with an Alpha who treats his treasures with the utmost care?"
A deep, threatening growl rumbled from Marco's chest, his wolf close to the surface. The air around us thickened with tension.
Before I could respond, Marco pulled me firmly against him. "She is mine." His voice was possessive, filled with a dangerous finality. "And if you so much as think of touching her, I will rip you apart."
Kade simply laughed, his amusement evident. "Ah, possessive as always. But be careful, Marco. The more you try to cage something beautiful, the more others will want to steal it."
With that, he gave me one last lingering look before turning away.
Marco exhaled sharply, his body still tense with rage. His hands trembled slightly as they gripped me, his wolf still on edge.
"Marco," I whispered, placing my hand on his chest. His heart was pounding.
His golden eyes softened as he looked down at me. "I won't let anyone take you from me."
I nodded, leaning into him, knowing deep down that he meant every word. But as I glanced in the direction Kade had gone, a shiver ran down my spine.
Marco held me protectively against his chest, his grip still firm, as if he feared I would slip away. The tension in the room slowly settled, but my heart continued to race.
"Come," Marco said, his voice softer now, but laced with authority. "We're leaving."
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
As we walked out of the ballroom, I could feel eyes on us. Whispers followed in our wake, but I didn't care. My mind was still stuck on Alpha Kade,his words, his unsettling gaze.
I climbed into the car with Marco right beside me. The second the door shut, he exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.
"Bastard," he muttered under his breath.
I hesitated before speaking. "Do you think… he'll try something?"
Marco's jaw clenched. "Kade is a snake. He doesn't make idle threats." He turned to me, his golden eyes locking onto mine. "But no one will take you from me, Matilda. Do you understand?"
I nodded, feeling the intensity of his words deep in my chest.
For a while, we sat in silence as the car drove through the dark roads. Marco's hand found mine, his thumb tracing soothing circles over my skin. It was comforting, but my mind still raced.
"What he said. about caging something beautiful," I murmured. "Is that how you see me?"
Marco turned to me sharply, his brows furrowing. "What?"
"Do you think you're caging me?" I asked quietly, unsure if I really wanted to know the answer.
His expression softened slightly. He reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "No, little one. I am protecting you." His voice was deep, steady. "I know my world is different from what you're used to. I know it's overwhelming. But I will never trap you."
I searched his face, looking for any sign of doubt, but found none.
For some reason, I believed him.
I let out a slow breath and leaned my head against his shoulder. "I just want to be more than someone you have to protect, Marco."
His grip on my hand tightened. "You are so much more than that, Matilda."
I felt my chest warm at his words.
For the rest of the ride, I let myself relax against him, but the lingering thought of Alpha Kade still sat in the back of my mind.
Something told me this wasn't the end of his interest in me.